Tommy's Honour to open EIFF

Story of Scots golfing pioneer to kick-off 70th edition.

by Amber Wilkinson

Peter Mullan plays golfer Tom Morris
Peter Mullan plays golfer Tom Morris Photo: Courtesy of Edinburgh Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival will open its 70th edition with Jason Connery's Tommy’s Honour, starring Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden, on June 15.

Shot entirely on location in Scotland, the drama is based on the true story of golfing pioneer Tom Morris and his turbulent relationship with his son Tommy. Mullan and Lowden take on the roles of father and son, alongside an ensemble cast including Ophelia Lovibond, Peter Ferdinando and Sam Neill. Key cast will be in attendance on Opening night.

Produced by Bob Last - the former chair for the Centre For The Moving Image, which oversees the EIFF - Tommy’s Honour tells the story of Tom Morris’ relationship with his son Tommy, who showed a remarkable talent of his own and matched his father's sporting achievements. However, father and son clash over the unwritten rules of social class, culminating in Tommy’s marriage to a woman of lower standing who hides a shameful secret in her past. Tommy must choose between family loyalty and his dreams of forging his own path with the woman he loves beside him.

Jack Lowden plays Tommy Morris in the EIFF opener
Jack Lowden plays Tommy Morris in the EIFF opener Photo: Courtesy of Edinburgh Film Festival
Connery said: "It's so exciting. I remember standing in the middle of a field in Fife during the shoot and saying to Peter and Jack, Tommy's Honour might get into the Edinburgh International Film Festival, not in our wildest dreams did we think it would be the Opening Gala opening. That's fantastic."

Last added: “It's an honour to be back at EIFF for an Opening Gala, it means a lot to have Mark Adams and his team's support for Jason Connery and our fantastic cast's telling of an iconic Scottish story. We look forward to introducing our film to Scotland and to the Gala being the first step in taking Tommy's Honour to an international audience.”

Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director said: “We are proud to be staging the world premiere of Tommy’s Honour. It is a beautifully made film packed with memorable moments and terrific performances and reflects perfectly our intention to keep on bringing great Scottish projects to our audience."

Watch clips from the film below:

Tickets go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday, April 27.

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